We wander, still as death, unwearied, on heights that we do not see as heights but as plains, as our safety. Nietzsche

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 42 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 34 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The trails are almost entirely clear, just look out for a few select spots of black ice near the top. I wouldn't consider traction devices necessary quite yet. Get out and enjoy the day!

There's a long list of things I love about the Smokies, but amongst my most favorite is how quickly this land can heal whatever ails your mind. I've had plenty of grim moods up here, but whenever I walk out to Cliff Tops it all ends up feeling laughable. There are enough kinds of beauty in that sky to match and trump whatever darkness your mind has settled on for that particular evening. If you look at those clouds and take ten deep breaths, your heart beats easier. It's a truth I take for granted too often.

Well quoted and stated JP. You, too Robert. Fear is a mind killer but going into the woods one can find what it is he/she seeks. G'day.

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Ryan

12/10/2015 10:09:11 am

Nice thoughts, and nice John Muir quote in the comments. Just what I needed. Time to get a walk in the woods for me soon!

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norman

12/10/2015 11:55:13 am

Me too, I'm going out in the woods right now; wishing it was the GSM woods! But next door will have to do. HAGD

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christy

12/10/2015 01:28:37 pm

Cliff top is a wonderful place....what a view !!! thanks for sharing

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David

12/10/2015 01:47:31 pm

Just wondering how many winter care takers there are in the park service? Reading the notes from JP and the notes from Many Glaciers last year. Any one run across any other blogs from winter caretakers in the parks?

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bonnie

12/10/2015 04:30:41 pm

was reading some of the letters of my mother from her friends that was working in the CCC camps in 1936 in the Smokies and them telling about going up on the mountain how beautiful it was then I am thankful for you and all the ones that keeps Gods creation beautiful

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LeConte Lodge

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